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T20 World Cup has witnessed some of the most enduring and memorable batting performances over the years. Each edition of this tournament has not only crowned a champion but also introduced fans to a batsman who stood above all the rest, dominating bowling attacks in different conditions and continents.

From seasoned greats to fearless young stars, the race to score the most runs often reflects the evolving nature of T20 cricket. The presence of so many legend players in this extraordinary list shows how important individual consistency has been in shaping the World Cup stories since the tournament’s inception in 2007.

Leading run-scorer in each edition of the T20 World Cup

2007 – Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 265 runs

In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 Matthew Hayden Set the direction for aggressive T20 batting. At a time when teams were still adapting to the format, Hayden’s powerful strokeplay provided Australia with early momentum in the tournament. His ability to hit boundaries with ease and dominate the powerplay made him the highest run-scorer with 265 runs, making a strong statement in the first edition.

2009 – Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 317 runs

2009 version Tillakaratne Dilshan Who revolutionized T20 batting with his fearless approach at the top. His famous “Dellscoop” became a regular feature as he scored 317 runs. Dilshan’s consistency and innovation played a key role in Sri Lanka’s campaign and showed how informal shots can flourish in high-pressure global tournaments.

2010 – Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 302 runs

in 2010, Mahela Jayawardene Combines beauty and effectiveness. Unlike the power hitters, Jayawardene relied on timing, placement and smart shot selection. His 302 runs came at crucial moments, often providing stability to Sri Lanka’s innings. This tournament highlighted that classical batting skills are still highly valued in the shortest format.

2012 – Shane Watson (Australia) – 249 runs

shane watson His all-round presence was a major feature of the 2012 World Cup. As a batsman, he provided Australia with stability and power at the top. Although his 249 runs may seem modest compared to other editions, Watson’s runs came under pressure and against quality opposition, highlighting his importance in Australia’s balanced T20 setup.

2014 – Virat Kohli (India) – 319 runs

2014 T20 World Cup Virat Kohli It marked the arrival of India as a global T20 giant. With 319 runs, Kohli was in a league of his own, especially in high-pressure knockout matches. His ability to chase targets, rotate the strike and increase the pace at will made him the backbone of India. This edition established Kohli as one of the most reliable batsmen in ICC tournaments.

2016 – Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) – 295 runs

tamim iqbal The performance was a milestone for Bangladesh cricket in 2016. By scoring 295 runs, Tamim consistently gave his team strong starts and showed that Bangladeshi batsmen can dominate world-class bowling attacks. His fearless mentality and leadership with the bat made him a key performer in a highly competitive tournament.

2021 – Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 303 runs

In the 2021 edition, Babar Azam Stability was a key feature. Known for his calm approach and classical technique, Babar led Pakistan with 303 runs. His ability to adapt his game according to match circumstances makes it clear why he is considered one of the most complete batsmen of the modern era.

2022 – Virat Kohli (India) – 296 runs

Kohli returned to the top of the charts in 2022, reminding the cricket world of his big-match mentality. Kohli was India’s leading performer, scoring 296 runs, which included several match-saving innings. His consistency in two different World Cups highlighted his longevity and his unparalleled hunger for runs on the biggest stage.

2024 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) – 281 runs

2024 T20 World Cup Rahmanullah Gurbaz whose explosive batting symbolized Afghanistan’s rise to prominence in global cricket. After scoring 281 runs, Gurbaz provided a fearless start and faced established bowling attacks without hesitation. Their performance was not just about numbers, but about belief, showing Afghanistan’s growing influence in world tournaments.

Who will rock the charts in 2026?

Now the big question arises: who will be the leading run-scorer in the upcoming 2026 edition? T20 cricket is evolving rapidly, the talent pool has never been deeper. Many young and established stars are in the race, each with the potential to score a tournament-defining run.

of India Abhishek Sharma Has shown explosive ability at the top of the order and can thrive on flat pitches. South African dewald brevisoften compared with the great innovators of the game, possessed the ability and fearlessness to dominate bowling attacks. Australian travis headknown for his aggressive approach in ICC events, is another strong contender who can turn matches in a few overs. Along with these names, many emerging players from different teams will be eager to write their own World Cup story.